Finding your formula

There’s a variety of powders in today’s beauty market, so how do you know which formula is best for your complexion? Here’s a straightforward guide to the rescue.

• Pressed powder. The old stand-by, a pressed powder compact (also called cake powder) ensures the most thorough, long-lasting coverage and is typically used with a sponge or brush. Perfectly portable, pressed powder is ideal for touch-ups throughout the day. For a softer look than pressed powder, you can use loose powder alone or over your foundation. CoverBlend Anti-Aging Finishing Powder will keep you looking fresh-faced all day long.


• Mineral makeup. Made with natural pigments and titanium dioxide, many mineral powders are pure formulas that both even out skin tone and reduce shine. Due to their sheer formulation, mineral powders are suited for all skin types — oily, dry, combination or normal. A great choice is Philosophy Supernatural Airbrushed Canvas powder. With a revolutionary applicator tip and light-as-air texture, this mineral-rich powder smoothes out redness, imperfections and blemishes and provides a radiant glow.


• Avoid the oil slick. Women with oily skin should opt for oil-free powders. Because pressed powders often contain an oil base, choose a lightweight loose powder like Amazing Cosmetics Velvet Mineral Powder Foundation.


• T-zone trauma. For those with an oily T-zone who find that powder tends to look caked-on in that area, go for a liquid powder that absorbs oil and prevents makeup from turning darker on the skin. Try Philosophy The Present Skin Perfector, a unique product that starts out as a gel and dries into a powder. Perfect for anyone with oily skin (including men), this product can be smoothed over oily areas before applying makeup. You can also use it for mid-day touch-ups to control oil and shine.


• Dry days. Powder can be challenging for women with dry skin, because it tends to make the skin look drier, causing flaky, sandpaper-like patches. To fix these dry dilemmas, before putting on any makeup or powder, apply a hydrating primer like Colorescience Pep Up Gel Foundation Primer. This product contains hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant that can absorb up to 1,000 times its weight in water. After using your foundation, choose a loose powder that's rich in beneficial ingredients like shea butter or vitamin E.


• On the go. During sweltering summer months, blotting papers are a must in every beauty bag. Often made with rich starch — a highly absorbent powder created from crushed grains of rice — these clever products absorb excess oil to prevent shine and future breakouts. Try L’Occitane Red Rice Mattifying Papers.

Applicators

Knowing which makeup tool to use with your powder is critical to a flawless application. So, when do you use what?

• Powder puffs. Also called cosmetic puffs, powder puffs are generally used with pressed powders and come in various shapes and sizes. According to iVillage, the most important thing to consider is the nap, or length, of the puff's material: Medium nap works best. Keep in mind that the nap puffs that come with your compact are usually too fine, which can cause streaking and even remove your foundation, according to iVillage. On the other hand, if your nap is too long, it can shed on your face.


• Brushes. Typically brushes accompany loose formulas, though you can use them with pressed powders, too. Applying powder using a brush allows for greater control and a softer look. Choose a large, fluffy, high-quality brush for best results, such as the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Kabuki Brush.

Technique tips

Now that you’ve got the right powder and tools, learn about the best ways to apply them for a finished, beautiful look.

• Less is more. For loose powder, tip the container and gently tap the bottom to release the powder. Dip your brush or puff into the powder and tap your application tool lightly to shake off any excess powder. For pressed powder, sweep your puff lightly across the surface of the compact. Remember that too much powder can make your complexion look blotchy and unnatural.


• Easy on the application. Gently sweep powder onto your face without applying too much pressure. If you’re using a brush, use downward movements. Avoid applying powder to your under-eye area, which can look caked on and accentuate fine lines. Put on too much powder? Simply, dust it off with a cotton wool pad. Don’t forget to check your eyebrows, as this area commonly traps powder. If you notice powder in your brows, use an eyebrow brush to clean the powder off. Also check your eyelashes for excess powder.


• Makeup management. To prevent your makeup from fading or rubbing off throughout the day, use your compact to apply powder to shiny areas or places where your makeup has worn thin.